I am working on a global league: Modi

Lalit Modi has never shied away from a challenge and more often than not turned the tables around and come out triumphant when pushed into a corner. He was expelled from the BCCI at a Special General Meeting a few days ago but that has clearly not shaken his confidence or curtailed his enthusiasm.

In an interview to DNA he stated that he was not surprised at the decision of the Indian Board and was expecting it. "The action of the BCCI was extremely predictable. Once Srinivasan had lined up his forces against me, it was only natural that the SGM would all but toe his line. A case in point was that no other matter was discussed at the SGM and it took the BCCI members only 10 minutes to arrive at the verdict," said Modi.

He further added that none of the board members raised their voice against the decision as no one dared to go against Srinivasan. "It was all over in a flash and not a single word uttered by any member, if I am to believe media reports. The very fact that it was passed unanimously shows the clout Srinivasan holds over the members," stated Modi.

He said that he believed that the decision was unfair as he was not given a chance to state his point of view. "The very fact that I was not given a single chance to reply or defend myself in front of the disciplinary committee itself is enough of a statement. The disciplinary committee utilised a good part of one year to call witnesses against me and I was not allowed to even present my case," said Modi.

Modi added that the incumbent BCCI chief was running the board according to his whims and fancies. "Where is the justice? Srinivasan has been running the board as his personal fiefdom and it is even easy for the layman to see just how power hungry he has become. Testimony to which again is the fact that all his loyalists have been rewarded in some form or the other with plush posts at the AGM on Sunday"

When asked on what his immediate reaction would be, he said that he would reveal his plans at an opportune time. "I am biding my time and will announce my plans at an appropriate time. I am not unduly perturbed and we will seek legal recourse. This battle against the BCCI is not over by any means," stated Modi.

Modi further stated that he was made the fall guy and Srinivasan had conspired against him. "Yes, I have always maintained that this was a huge conspiracy spearheaded by Srinivasan and his buddies. They needed a fall guy and, as I was the outsider in their club, I was made the same," quoted the former IPL Chairman.

When probed regarding the charges of financial irregularities against him, Modi tarnished the disciplinary committee report and called it a sham. "The disciplinary committee report is a sham. That it would be bias was never in doubt as the sole aim was to hold me guilty even if it means giving reasons that defy logic and common sense. When you have the complainant himself sitting as a judge, jury and executioner -- how can there be any justice, fairness or due process?"

Modi further added that his frankness and openness clashed with Srinivasan's dictatorial tendencies and the same was the reason for the latter's grudge against him. "BCCI is one of the richest sports bodies and Srinivasan would like to have complete control of the same. Unlike most members in the BCCI, I have always chosen to speak my mind openly and freely on matters pertaining to the game of cricket we all love. With me around, Srinivasan could always expect some opposition to his scheme of things," said Modi.

Modi was the brainchild behind the Indian Premier League and he said that no one can take that away from him. "I have built the IPL from the scratch and no one will ever be able to take that away from me. Am extremely proud of this fact. Today, BCCI has the financial clout because of this and I will continue to fight and am confident that the truth will prevail in the longer term"

He stated that he was working on creating a global league and would reveal the details at an appropriate time. "I am currently working on a very interesting project, which involves a global league. I will unveil the details at the right time when we are ready to announce the same. I am sure it will be as big if not bigger than my last project," stated a confident Modi.

He ridiculed Srinivasan for letting the League decay and decompose under his tenure. "I'd say that Srinivasan be rechristened "Mr. Controversy". Whatever one did to build the IPL brand has largely been eroded by spot fixing and betting. Spot fixing, if found true, will bury the league and the game of cricket. It is Death Penalty. How come there was no controversy when I was the chairman? Despite his son-in-law being charge-sheeted, Srinivasan insists that he has done no wrong," stated Modi.

He blamed Srinivasan and his faithful men for the mess and rot in the BCCI stating that the BCCI President functioned as an autocrat for his own narrow interests rather than the good of the game. "By allowing Srinivasan to take control, you have given power to the man who only believes in I, Me and Myself. He has been working for himself rather than the board. A case in point is that all of Srinivasan's loyalists have been honoured with posts and he has stacked the BCCI with all his "yes men". Other voices of reason have been left by the way side and thus nobody can take any action."

When asked whether he would make a comeback in the near future, Modi ended the interview with the famous last words, "Nothing is permanent in this world. Wait and watch."